Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles was taking some heat from everyone, including fans from the Windy City, after what happened in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While there were some home run selections, Poles got criticized for ignoring the edge rusher room in the draft once again. NFL Draft on SI's Justin Melo is coming to the defense of Poles and the Bears, as he named them as one of the winners of the three-day event that no one is talking about.
"The Chicago Bears were among the most improved NFL teams under first-year head coach Ben Johnson in 2025, and a strong draft class should help them build on that performance in 2026. Safety Dillon Thieneman should slot flawlessly into a strong secondary, and center Logan Jones is a really good fit in Johnson's zone-based scheme following the unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman. Former Stanford tight end Sam Roush will be a fun in-line blocker with the ability to make plays as a pass catcher, and late-round linebacker Keyshaun Elliott has two-down and special teams upside."
Ryan Poles and the Bears were named winners of the 2026 NFL Draft
If it hadn't been for the Bears missing out on an edge rusher or the reach of LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the third round of the draft, the Bears might be looked at in a better light for the draft. It was Day 2 of the draft that had everyone questioning them as well, with Thomas' selection, Logan Jones being a reach in Round 2, and Sam Roush being selected despite already having two starting-caliber tight ends.
Overall, though, the Bears got really good talent in the draft. Thieneman is a Day 1 starter with crazy speed for a safety and great play-making ability. Also, the Bears' selection of cornerback Malik Muhammad in the fourth round, when he could legitimately start for them in 2026, is a great steal.
Roush was the best blocking tight end in the draft and gave the Bears the missing piece to what looks like the best tight end room in the NFL. Jones is the future at center as he brings his insane 4.9-second speed to Chicago to help replace Drew Dalman. Thomas ran a 4.28-second 40-time, so he will help on special teams and can be a sneaky weapon on offense.
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The Bears did not do terribly in the draft, but they left some positions unaddressed, which will add some stress for the short term. In the long term, though, these rookies are going to make a big impact on the team.
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